Out and about
Although Villa Gizem has everything any one would want from a villa holiday, swimming pool, great views, air conditioning. It would be a great shame if you came and didn't once go beyond the bay and explore a bit. There are several ways you can do this:
1. Completely independently using your own car hire.
2. Using one of the many tour companies you will find in Kalkan who offer daily excursions to the many places of interest. We have used several of these companies, all are good but we would recommend Linda at Abi Travel.
These excursions whether by boat or coach or combined are in small groups, have excellent well-informed guides and are tremendous fun. Visit the sunken city of Kekova by boat, go canoeing down the Dalaman River and have a mud bath, spend the day in the mountains visiting the stunning Saklikent George or just have a 'lazy day at sea'.
3. Finally you can get about using the local dolmus. Small mini buses travelling between local villages and towns. Buy a ticket and just get on. Travel to nearby Kas (approximately 45 minutes by Dolmus) along one of the most beautiful stretches of road you will ever come across. The road takes you past the stunning Kaputash beach reached by climbing down the 100 or more steps. Or go to Patara beach. Twelve km long, this beach is a nature reserve protecting the green back turtles that make their home in the dunes. Before arriving at the beach visit the ancient city of Patara and all its ruins.
Taxis are cheap and cheerful and will take you anywhere you want to go although it is a good idea to negotiate how much it will cost in advance. They can take you to one of the many beach clubs in Kalkan.
One of the world's 10 best walks on our doorstep
The 'Lycian Way' follows Greek and Roman roads and aqueducts, traditional nomad trails and forest tracks around the coast. Existing tracks have been linked up to form a continuous walking route that stretches over 530km and part of this walk is right here on your doorstep. The Sunday Times voted the 'Lycian Way' one of the world's ten best walks. We have walked from Akbel to Patara via Delikkemer (16 km) several times, and even with reluctant teenagers, and have always had a tremendous day. The walk is well away from any roads and you will have great fun trying to find the route. Allow a whole day for this adventure and take plenty of water and a picnic.
Coast / beach
Kalkan has a pretty pebbled village beach which is 20 minutes walk. Alternatively there are several beach clubs, which offer secluded stone terraces and excellent swimming. They are not suitable for children, which makes them perfect for those who want to lounge and swim. Full restaurant service is provided. Our handbook will guide you through all the options. If you want a sandy beach you will need to drive 15 minutes along the coast road to the glorious Kaputas beach
Other places to visit
Kas, 30km away, is a pretty town with more of the feel of a working town containing a wider range of shops and businesses.
Fethiye is the regional capital and well worth the hour's drive for significant shopping.
The whole area is rich in historical sites, with a wealth of classical sites where you can wander around amphitheatres and amongst the ruins of temples.
